La Catrina, symbol of Día de Muertos.
Each year, as the calendar marks November 1st and 2nd, towns and cities across Mexico fill with colors, scents, and sounds celebrating Día de Muertos. Amid altars, marigold flowers, candles, and offerings, one figure stands out as an iconic image: La Catrina. This elegant, skeletal lady dressed in glamorous attire represents the rich and deep cultural connection Mexicans have with death. Since her creation in the early 20th century, La Catrina has evolved from a social critique to the face of a tradition that celebrates life beyond death.
The story of La Catrina goes back to the early 20th century, when illustrator José Guadalupe Posada created “La Calavera Garbancera.” This character depicted a skull dressed in the European fashion of the time, satirizing and criticizing those in society who rejected their indigenous roots to adopt foreign styles. The term "garbancera" referred to those of humble origins pretending to be something they were not. This illustration became a symbol of vanity and the detachment from Mexican traditions.
Later, with Diego Rivera’s reinterpretation in his famous mural Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central, the character took on the name “Catrina.” Rivera gave her elegance, added the feathered hat, and dressed her in refined outfits. From then on, La Catrina became a cultural icon, symbolizing that no matter our social status, death makes us all equal.
In many ways, La Catrina perfectly represents how Mexicans view death: not as a tragic end, but as a transition worthy of celebration. On Día de Muertos, La Catrina becomes a character embodying the connection between the living and the dead, serving as a bridge between the two worlds. With her carefree smile and elegant dress, she invites the living to accept death with respect and joy, transforming the celebration into an act of remembrance, love, and festivity.
Adorning altars and streets with Catrinas honors those who are no longer with us. Costumes and representations of La Catrina in parades and public events serve not only as a reminder of death but as a celebration of life itself. Each painted Catrina and adorned skeleton in the festivities pays tribute to ancestors and Mexican cultural identity.
This year, Puerto Vallarta has elevated the concept of La Catrina to unprecedented heights, presenting the world’s largest Catrina, dressed in green. This imposing figure was created to draw the attention of locals and tourists alike, highlighting the cultural richness of Día de Muertos amid the celebrations in this tourist city.
Erected on one of the city’s most iconic spots, Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón, this green Catrina symbolizes tradition while inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of Mexican culture. The green tone not only recalls the freshness and beauty of the region’s nature but was also chosen in honor of the hope and renewal that accompany this character as an ambassador of Día de Muertos.
Puerto Vallarta’s Catrina was designed to fascinate tourists and locals alike, becoming a space for interaction and collective memory. Its magnitude and detailed craftsmanship have sparked admiration, reminding many of the importance of cultural roots and the celebration of life and death.
Each year, more tourists from various parts of the world visit Puerto Vallarta, drawn by its beaches, cuisine, and hospitality. During this season, the giant Catrina is a new attraction inviting visitors to experience Día de Muertos from a visually impactful and culturally enriching perspective. Visiting this giant figure allows tourists to delve into the deep meanings of the holiday and discover a Mexico that celebrates its deceased with colors, music, and joy.
Choosing green for this Catrina was no coincidence; it symbolizes sustainability, nature, and life. Surrounded by jungles and seas, Puerto Vallarta is a city that depends on its natural resources and a balanced environment. By dressing this Catrina in green, it also conveys a message of respect for the environment, encouraging locals and visitors alike to care for the biodiversity and natural surroundings that make this place a paradise.
The giant Catrina installation in Puerto Vallarta is not only a display of creativity but also an invitation for locals and tourists to interact with this character in a unique way. Social media has filled with photos of people posing in front of this imposing figure, sharing and spreading the essence of Día de Muertos to a global audience. With her green dress, Puerto Vallarta’s Catrina becomes a photographic attraction that invites and motivates visitors to participate in the tradition and to share Mexican culture.
La Catrina has transcended time and generations, and in Puerto Vallarta, her figure takes on a new dimension as the world’s largest. Dressed in green, she reminds us that Día de Muertos is a living tradition and that, through this celebration, Mexicans honor their identity and roots. This giant Catrina not only captures the attention of those who visit the city but acts as a symbol of hope and renewal for Puerto Vallarta this year.
With every photo, every visitor, and every moment of reflection, Puerto Vallarta’s Catrina becomes a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring the culture, nature, and identity of a country that celebrates life, even in death. In every face and painted skeleton lies the essence of Mexico, and Puerto Vallarta, with its giant green Catrina, joins in the tribute of remembering those who are no longer with us, in a celebration that continues to resonate year after year.
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